Device-based wireless transmission regulation for citizens broadband radio service

ABSTRACT

Wireless transmission regulation for a frequency band associated with Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) is described. In an example, a sensor associated with a device, which is configured to operate in the frequency band, can scan at least a portion of the frequency band to generate sensor data indicating at least energy present in the portion of the frequency band. The device can determine, based at least in part on analyzing the sensor data, a presence of another device using the frequency band. The other device can be a priority user having priority access over the device. Based at least in part on determining the presence of the other device, the device can adjust a device radio frequency (RF) transmission power for transmitting communication(s) within the frequency band.

BACKGROUND

The Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) enables shared wirelessbroadband use of the 3550-3700 megahertz (MHz) band (3.5 gigahertz (GHz)band). Historically, a portion of the CBRS band has been used by theUnited States Navy, satellite service providers, and utilities. However,the CBRS band has recently been availed for new mobile uses.

The Federal Communications Commission has implemented various rules toprovide a number of tangible benefits for consumers, businesses, andgovernment users. For instance, the rules provide protections toincumbent users from harmful interference by other users. Further, therules avail additional spectrum for flexible wireless broadband use,which will lead to improved broadband access and performance forconsumers. Moreover, the rules enable deployment of wireless broadbandin industrial applications (e.g., advance manufacturing, energy,healthcare, etc.), which will support innovation and growth.

CBRS is governed by a three-tiered spectrum authorization framework toaccommodate a variety of commercial uses on a shared basis withincumbent users of the 3.5 GHz band. The three-tiered spectrumauthorization framework provides Incumbent Access users priority accessover Priority Access users, and Priority Access users priority accessover General Authorized Access users. Incumbent Access users includeauthorized federal and grandfathered Fixed Satellite Service users. TheFCC rules protect such users from harmful interference from PriorityAccess and General Authorized Access users. That is, Incumbent Accessusers have priority access to the 3.5 GHz band. Priority Access usersare granted access to the 3.5 GHz band via a Priority Access Licenseassigned using competitive bidding within the 3550-3650 MHz portion ofthe 3.5 GHz band. General Authorized Access users are granted access viaa licensed-by-rule, which permits open, flexible access to any portionof the 3550-3700 MHz band, so long as the portion of the 3550-3700 MHzband is not assigned to a higher tier (e.g., Incumbent Access orPriority Access). In some situations, General Authorized Access userscan opportunistically operate on unused Priority Access channels.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The detailed description is set forth with reference to the accompanyingfigures. In the figures, the left-most digit(s) of a reference numberidentifies the figure in which the reference number first appears. Theuse of the same reference numbers in different figures indicates similaror identical items or features.

FIG. 1 illustrates an environment within which access to the CitizensBroadband Radio Service (CBRS) band is regulated, as described herein.

FIG. 2 illustrates a system for regulating access to the CBRS band, asdescribed herein.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example process for regulating access to the CBRSband, as described herein.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example process for determining when to scan theCBRS band based on a characteristic associated with a sensor, asdescribed herein.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example process for determining portion(s) of theCBRS band to scan based on historical data, as described herein.

FIG. 6 illustrates an example process for regulating access to the CBRSband, as described herein.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example process for regulating access to the CBRSband, as described herein.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example process for determining a channel withinthe CBRS band to transmit a communication, as described herein.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example process for determining a channel withinthe CBRS band to transmit a communication, as described herein.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example process for determining a channel withinthe CBRS band to transmit a communication, as described herein.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example process for determining a channel withinthe CBRS band to transmit a communication, as described herein.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

This disclosure describes regulating access to the Citizens BroadbandRadio Service (CBRS). The CBRS enables shared wireless broadband use ofthe 3550-3700 megahertz (MHz) band (3.5 gigahertz (GHz) band),hereinafter the “CBRS band.” CBRS is governed by a three-tiered spectrumauthorization framework to accommodate a variety of commercial uses on ashared basis with incumbent users of the CBRS band. The three-tieredspectrum authorization framework provides Incumbent Access userspriority access over Priority Access users, and Priority Access userspriority access over General Authorized Access users. Incumbent Accessusers include authorized federal and grandfathered Fixed SatelliteService users. Such users are protected from harmful interference fromPriority Access and General Authorized Access users. That is, IncumbentAccess users have priority access to the CBRS band. Priority Accessusers are granted access to the CBRS band via a Priority Access Licensethat will be assigned using competitive bidding within the 3550-3650 MHzportion of the CBRS band. General Authorized Access users are grantedaccess via a licensed-by-rule, which permits open, flexible access toany portion of the 3550-3700 MHz band, so long as the portion of the3550-3700 MHz band is not assigned to a higher tier (e.g., IncumbentAccess or Priority Access). In some situations, General AuthorizedAccess users can opportunistically operate on unused Priority Accesschannels.

Techniques described herein are directed to regulating access to theCBRS to enable mobile device users to utilize the CBRS band whileensuring that use by priority users is not subjected to harmfulinterference. For the purpose of this discussion, “priority users” canrefer to Incumbent Access users and/or Priority Access users. In atleast one example, sensor(s) configured to operate in the CBRS band canscan at least a portion of the CBRS band to generate sensor dataindicating at least energy present (e.g., energy levels present(decibels/milliwatt (dbms)) in the portion of the CBRS band. That is, inat least one example, such sensor(s) can be leveraged to “listen” to theenvironment of the CBRS band prior to transmitting communications viathe CBRS band (e.g., on behalf of non-priority users) to ensure thatsuch transmissions do not interfere with use of the CBRS band bypriority users. The sensor(s) can be associated with user equipment(UE), such as mobile devices, and/or base stations. In at least oneexample, the sensor(s) can scan the CBRS band to generate data which canbe used to determine whether energy is present (e.g., energy levelspresent (dbms)), who generated the energy (e.g., an owner of the energy,a source of the energy, another operator, etc.), an identity of anentity using the energy, noise associated with the CBRS band (e.g., alevel of noise associated with the CBRS band), etc.

In at least one example, UE can utilize the sensor data to determine adevice radio frequency (RF) transmission power for transmittingcommunications within the CBRS band. Additionally or alternatively, abase station can utilize the sensor data to determine a channel fortransmitting communications within the CBRS band. For instance, in someexamples, the base station can determine, based on the sensor data, thata priority user is using a channel of the CBRS band and, as a result,can select another channel of the CBRS band for transmittingcommunications. In other examples, the base station can determine, basedon the sensor data, that a priority user is using a channel of the CBRSband and, as a result, can transmit data via the same channel utilizingchannel sharing techniques, as described herein. In some examples, thebase station can utilize the sensor data to determine a RF transmissionpower for transmitting communications within the CBRS band. Additionallyor alternatively, in some examples, the base station can utilize thesensor data to determine the timing of “listening” prior to transmittingcommunications.

Techniques described herein offer a number of tangible benefits forusers of the CBRS band. For instance, the techniques described hereinenable telecommunications service providers (e.g., General AuthorizedAccess users) to maximize locations where base stations can be installedby ensuring protections to incumbent users from harmful interference(i.e., ensuring compliance with the Federal Communication Commissionrules). Due to the high usage of the CBRS band by the United StatesNavy, many telecommunications service providers are avoiding installingbase stations near coastlines or other areas where use by the UnitedStates Navy is expected. This significantly limits the usefulness of theCBRS band for customers (e.g., subscribers) of such telecommunicationsservice providers. Techniques described herein enable suchtelecommunications service providers to install base stations nearcoastlines or other areas where United States Navy use is expected allwhile ensuring that the United States Navy and other priority users canuse the CBRS band without harmful interference. Further, techniquesdescribed herein avail additional spectrum for flexible wirelessbroadband use, which can lead to improved broadband access andperformance for consumers, as intended by the recent availing of theCBRS band for shared use.

FIG. 1 illustrates an environment 100 within which access to the CBRS isregulated, as described herein. As illustrated in the environment 100, auser device 102 is capable of communicating with a base station 104. Asdescribed below, base stations (also known as cell sites or cell towers)can be associated with antennae and other electronic communicationsequipment (e.g., transceivers, digital signal processors, controlelectronics, a GPS receiver, etc.) to create a cell in a cellularnetwork. The base station 104 is capable of communicating with the userdevice 102 and/or one or more other devices via networks, such as viathe CBRS 106.

In at least one example, other devices can additionally communicate viathe CBRS 106. For instance, device 108 is illustrated in FIG. 1. For thepurpose of this discussion, device 108 can be associated with a priorityuser, such as an Incumbent Access user and/or a Priority Access user, asdescribed above. For illustrative purposes, the device 108 is shown inassociation with a ship, such as a ship used by the United States Navy.

In at least one example, the user device 102 and/or the base station 104can include one or more sensors for scanning the CBRS band. In someexamples, the one or more sensors associated with the user device 102and/or the base station 104 can scan the CBRS band at a particularfrequency, prior to a transmission of a communication, etc. The one ormore sensors can be configured to operate in the CBRS band and candetermine sensor data indicative of the environment associated with theCBRS band, as illustrated in block 110. For instance, the sensor datacan indicate whether energy is present in the CBRS band (e.g., energylevels present (dbms)), an owner of the energy (e.g., who generated theenergy, a source of the energy, etc.), an identity of an entityutilizing the energy, a channel and/or channel(s) associated with theenergy, noise present in the CBRS band (e.g., a level of noiseassociated with the CBRS band), etc.

In some examples, the user device 102 can utilize the sensor data todetermine whether to transmit in the CBRS band and/or a RF transmissionpower at which to transmit in the CBRS band. In additional oralternative examples, the user device 102 can transmit sensor data tothe base station 104 for device-assisted regulation. The base station104 can utilize the sensor data received from the user device 102 and/orsensor data determined by the base station 104, and can determine achannel (and/or RF transmission power) for transmitting communication(s)via the CBRS band, as illustrated in block 112. Additional details aredescribed below with respect to determining a channel and otherwiseregulating access to the CBRS.

FIG. 1 includes but one example of how techniques described herein canbe implemented. Of course, in additional or alternative examples, thedevice 108 can be associated with any other priority user (e.g.,Incumbent Access user or Priority Access user).

FIG. 2 illustrates a system 200 for regulating access to the CBRS, asdescribed herein. In at least one example, the system 200 can include auser device 202 which is capable of communicating with a base station204. The user device 202 can correspond to the user device 102 describedabove with reference to FIG. 1, and the base station 204 can correspondto the base station 104 described above with reference to FIG. 1. Thebase station 204 can communicate with the user device 202 and/or one ormore other devices via network(s) 206 (e.g., cellular network(s),wireless network(s), etc.), which can be associated with the CBRS. In atleast one example, the base station 204 can additionally communicatewith service provider computing device(s) 208 via the network(s) 206. Inat least one example, the service provider computing device(s) 208 canbe associated with a telecommunications service provider providing atelecommunications service to which one or more subscribers subscribe.

In at least one example, the user device 202 can correspond to UEincluding, but not limited to, a smart phone, a personal digitalassistant, a netbook, a laptop computer, a smart appliance, Internet ofThings (IoT) devices and/or another electronic device that is capable oftransmitting or receiving audio, video, and/or data via the network(s)206 (e.g., cellular network(s), wireless network(s), etc.). In at leastone example, the user device 202 can include processor(s) 210,computer-readable media 211, a sensor 212, and communication hardware214.

The processor(s) 210 can represent, for example, a central processingunit (CPU)-type processing unit, a graphics processing unit (GPU)-typeprocessing unit, a Field-Programmable Gate Array (FPGA), another classof Digital Signal Processor (DSP), or other hardware logic componentsthat can, in some instances, be driven by a CPU. For example, andwithout limitation, illustrative types of hardware logic components thatcan be used include Application-Specific Integrated Circuits (ASICs),Application-Specific Standard Products (AS SPs), System-on-a-ChipSystems (SOCs), Complex Programmable Logic Devices (CPLDs), etc. In atleast one example, an accelerator can represent a hybrid device, such asone from ZYLEX or ALTERA that includes a CPU course embedded in an FPGAfabric. In various embodiments, the processor(s) 210 can execute one ormore modules and/or processes to cause the user device 202 to perform avariety of functionalities, as set forth above and explained in furtherdetail in the following disclosure. Additionally, each of theprocessor(s) 210 can possess its own local memory, which also can storeprogram modules, program data, and/or one or more operating systems.

Depending on the exact configuration and type of the user device 202,the computer-readable media 211, can include computer storage mediaand/or communication media.

Computer storage media can include volatile memory, nonvolatile memory,and/or other persistent and/or auxiliary computer storage media,removable and non-removable computer storage media implemented in anymethod or technology for storage of information such as computerreadable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data.Computer memory is an example of computer storage media. Thus, computerstorage media includes tangible and/or physical forms of media includedin a device and/or hardware component that is part of a device orexternal to a device, including but not limited to random-access memory(RAM), static random-access memory (SRAM), dynamic random-access memory(DRAM), phase change memory (PRAM), read-only memory (ROM), erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EPROM), electrically erasableprogrammable read-only memory (EEPROM), flash memory, compact discread-only memory (CD-ROM), digital versatile discs (DVDs), optical cardsor other optical storage media, miniature hard drives, memory cards,magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage, magnetic cardsor other magnetic storage devices or media, solid-state memory devices,storage arrays, network attached storage, storage area networks, hostedcomputer storage or any other storage memory, storage device, and/orstorage medium that can be used to store and maintain information foraccess by a computing device.

In at least one example, the computer storage media can includenon-transitory computer-readable media. Non-transitory computer-readablemedia can include volatile and nonvolatile, removable and non-removabletangible, physical media implemented in technology for storage ofinformation, such as computer readable instructions, data structures,program modules, or other data. The computer-readable media 211 is anexample of non-transitory computer-readable media. Non-transitorycomputer-readable media include, but are not limited to, RAM, ROM,EEPROM, flash memory or other memory technology, CD-ROM, DVDs or otheroptical storage, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic diskstorage or other magnetic storage devices, or any other tangible,physical medium which can be used to store the desired information andwhich can be accessed by the user device 202. Any such non-transitorycomputer-readable media can be part of the user device 202.

In contrast, communication media includes computer readableinstructions, data structures, program modules, or other data in amodulated data signal, such as a carrier wave, or other transmissionmechanism. As defined herein, computer storage media does not includecommunication media.

The computer-readable media 211 can include one or more modules and datastructures including, for example, a listening module 216 and a RFtransmission power selection module 218. The one or more modules anddata structures can be in the form of stand-alone applications,productivity applications, an operating system component, or any otherapplication or software module configured to perform operations asdescribed herein.

The listening module 216 can assess the environment of at least the CBRSband. In at least one example, the user device 202 can include a sensor212, which can include a spectrum analyzing device configured to analyzethe CBRS band. In at least one example, the sensor 212 can be configuredto detect energy that is present in the CBRS band. For instance, thesensor 212 can scan the CBRS band to generate sensor data indicatingwhether energy is present (e.g., energy levels present (dbms)), whogenerated the energy (e.g., an owner of the energy, a source of theenergy, another operator, etc.), an identity of an entity using theenergy, noise associated with the CBRS band (e.g., a level of noiseassociated with the CBRS band), etc. In at least one example, the sensor212 can be configured to generate sensor data indicating whichchannel(s) are being used for transmitting data and/or a load associatedwith individual channel(s) (e.g., channel loading). Such sensor data canrepresent the radio environment particular to the CBRS band. The sensor212 can provide such sensor data to the listening module 216 foranalyzing.

In at least one example, the listening module 216 can send aninstruction to the sensor 212 instructing the sensor 212 to scan theCBRS band. In some examples, the instruction can be sent at a particularfrequency. In other examples, the instruction can be sent in associationwith a data transmission (e.g., a communication), for instance beforethe data transmission is transmitted to the base station 204. Responsiveto sending the instruction, the listening module 216 can receive sensordata and can analyze the sensor data to determine the radio environmentassociated with the CBRS band. Sensor data can include, but is notlimited to, an indication of whether energy is present (e.g., energylevels present (dbms)), an indication of who generated the energy (e.g.,an owner of the energy, a source of the energy, another operator, etc.),an identity of an entity using the energy, noise associated with theCBRS band (e.g., a level of noise associated with the CBRS band), etc.In some examples, sensor data can identify which channels within theCBRS band are occupied, and to what extent such channels are occupied(e.g., channel loading). For the purpose of this discussion, the“extent” to which a channel is occupied can refer to an amount ofchannel bandwidth that is being used by a data transmission (e.g.,communication).

In at least one example, the listening module 216 can determine thetemporal frequency for sending the instruction based on one or morecharacteristics. For instance, in at least one example, the listeningmodule 216 can determine a time, a date, and/or a geolocation associatedwith the user device 202, and can determine a temporal frequency forsending the instruction based on the time, the date, and/or thegeolocation. In some examples, the listening module 216 can utilizemachine learned models to determine the temporal frequency for sendingthe instruction. As a non-limiting example, the user device 202 can belocated near a United States Naval Base. As a result, the listeningmodule 216 can determine to send the instruction at a higher temporalfrequency (e.g., more scans per period of time) than if the user device202 was located away from a United States Naval Base. Or, the listeningmodule 216 can adjust the temporal frequency (e.g., reduce the temporalfrequency) in which such an instruction is sent based on a date beingassociated with a time of the year where United States Naval ships areknown to be at sea. As another example, the listening module 216 canutilize historical data to determine that a channel is typically veryclear (e.g., unoccupied) and can enter a power-saving mode which reducesthe number of scans (e.g., reducing the temporal frequency at whichinstruction(s) are sent).

Furthermore, in some examples, the listening module 216 can determinethe frequency for sending the instruction based on a power level of apower source (e.g., battery, etc.) of the user device 202. In exampleswhere the power level is determined to be below a threshold, thelistening module 216 can decrease the frequency with which it sends theinstruction to the sensor 212 (thereby conserving power consumption).

Managing the temporal frequency at which the user device 202 scans theCBRS band can reduce power consumption and compute. That is,intelligently adjusting the temporal frequency at which the sensor 212scans the CBRS band can reduce power consumption (by reducing the energyrequired to assess the CBRS band) and reduce compute (by reducing theresources required to assess the CBRS band).

In some examples, the listening module 216 may not send an instructionto the sensor 212. In such examples, the sensor 212 can push sensor datato the listening module 216. For instance, in some examples, the sensor212 can push sensor data to the listening module 216 at a particularfrequency, in near-real time, etc.

In at least one example, the listening module 216 can transmit sensordata and/or representations thereof to the base station 204. The basestation 204 can leverage the sensor data and/or representations thereoffor determining how to transmit communications as described below. Insome examples, responsive to determining that the power level is below athreshold, the listening module 216 can send a notification to the basestation 204 indicating that the power level is below a threshold. Insuch examples, the base station 204 can receive the notification anddetermine that it is responsible for assessing the radio environment ofthe CBRS band and determining how to transmit communications in such aradio environment. That is, in some examples, the user device 202 canprovision sensor data to the base station 204 for a device-assistedchannel and/or RF transmission power selection process. However, if thepower level of the user device 202 is below a threshold, the user device202 can inform the base station 204, and the base station 204 can selectchannel(s) and/or RF transmission power without assistance from the userdevice 202.

The RF transmission power selection module 218 can determine a RFtransmission power for transmitting communications via the CBRS band.For the purpose of this discussion, a communication can comprise one ormore bits and/or bytes of data that can be transmitted from a firstdevice to a second device. The one or more bits and/or bytes of data canrepresent voice communications, video communications, textcommunications, etc. The RF transmission power selection module 218 canutilize sensor data received from the sensor 212 to determine a RFtransmission power for transmitting a communication. In at least oneexample, if the sensor data indicates that another device is present(e.g., using a channel of the CBRS band) and that the device is apriority user, the RF transmission power selection module 218 candetermine whether to transmit a communication. If the RF transmissionpower selection module 218 determines to transmit a communication, theRF transmission power selection module 218 can determine a RFtransmission power for transmitting the communication.

In at least one example, the RF transmission power selection module 218can transmit an indication identifying the RF transmission power atwhich the user device 202 is transmitting to the base station 104. Insome examples, the RF transmission power can be too low, such that thebase station 204 cannot hear the user device 202. That is, in someexamples, the RF transmission power may be below a threshold and thebase station 204 may not be able to hear the user device 202. In atleast one example, the user device 202 can wait a period of time beforere-transmitting the indication. If, after a predetermined number ofattempts to transmit the indication and/or a lapse of a predeterminedperiod of time, the RF transmission power selection module 218 does notreceive a response from the base station 204, the RF transmission powerselection module 218 can increase the RF transmission power and cantransmit an indication of the new RF transmission power to the basestation 204.

In at least one example, responsive to transmitting the indication ofthe RF transmission power to the base station 204, the user device 202can receive a response, which can include a channel assignment fortransmitting a communication. As such, the user device 202 can transmita communication, at the RF transmission power selected and via thechannel prescribed by the base station 204.

In some examples, the RF transmission power selection module 218 canreceive an instruction from the base station 204 that specifies the RFtransmission power. In such examples, the RF transmission powerselection module 218 can receive the instruction and adjust the RFtransmission power appropriately.

As described above, the sensor 212 can include a spectrum analyzingdevice configured to analyze the CBRS band. In at least one example, thesensor 212 can scan the CBRS band to determine informationrepresentative of the radio environment particular to the CBRS band(e.g., sensor data). The sensor 212 can provide such sensor data to thelistening module 216 for analyzing. In at least one example, the sensor212 can scan the CBRS band responsive to receiving an instruction fromthe listening module 216 and can provide sensor data to the listeningmodule 216 responsive to receiving the instruction.

In at least one example, the sensor 212 can additionally include one ormore modules and data structures (e.g., computer-readable instructions,etc.) that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one ormore processors to send and/or receive instructions and/or informationand, in some examples, make decisions and/or determinations with respectto timing and/or prioritization of channel scanning.

In some examples, the sensor 212 can scan each channel of the CBRS bandindividually. In at least one example, the sensor 212 can scanindividual channels in parallel or serially. In other examples, thesensor 212 can scan two or more channels of the CBRS band together andthen parse the sensor data to determine which data corresponds toindividual channels.

In at least one example, the sensor 212 can utilize historical data todetermine how to scan the channels of the CBRS band. For instance, in atleast one example, the sensor 212 can determine, from historical data,that priority users typically use a particular channel. That is, thesensor 212 can determine, based on the historical data, a likelihoodthat a particular channel is occupied by a priority user. Based ondetermining that the likelihood is greater than a threshold, the sensor212 can determine not to scan the particular channel, or to scan theparticular channel after scanning one or more other channels. In someexamples, the sensor 212 can utilize machine learned models toselectively determine which channels to scan and/or an order forscanning such channels. Or, the sensor 212 can determine, from sensordata, that a priority user is using a particular channel. Accordingly,the sensor 212 can determine not to scan the particular channel in asubsequent scan, or to scan the particular channel after scanning one ormore other channels.

In some examples, the sensor 212 can receive an instruction from thelistening module 216 which includes instructions on how to scan the CBRSband (e.g., frequency and/or channel(s)). In such an example, thelistening module 216 can utilize historical data to selectivelydetermine which channels to scan and/or the order for scanning suchchannels.

As described above, the sensor 212 can determine sensor data indicativeof a power level associated with the user device 202. For instance, thesensor 212 can determine a remaining power level associated with a powersource of the user device 202, such as a battery. In some examples, thesensor 212 can additionally or alternatively determine sensor dataindicating a geolocation of the user device 202.

While a single sensor is shown and described, the user device 202 caninclude any number of sensors.

The communication hardware 214 provides wireless UE capabilities, suchas connecting to a base station, such as base station 204, associatedwith a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, or other wireless networks(e.g., network(s) 206). In at least one example, the communicationhardware 214 can include radio hardware, which can include or beincorporated into processors, ASICs, programmable circuits such asFPGAs, or in other ways. In at least one example, the radio hardware canbe capable of operating in the CBRS band.

As described above, the user device 202 can communicate with the basestation 204. Base stations (also known as cell sites or cell towers) canbe associated with antennae and other electronic communicationsequipment (e.g., transceivers, digital signal processors, controlelectronics, a GPS receiver, etc.) to create a cell in a cellularnetwork. In at least one example, the base station 204 can includeprocessor(s) 220, computer-readable media 224, a sensor 226, andcommunication hardware 228. For the purpose of this discussion, theprocessor(s) 220 and the computer-readable media 224 can have same orsimilar configurations and perform same or similar functions as theprocessor(s) 210 and the computer-readable media 211, respectively, asdescribed above.

The computer-readable media 224 can include one or more modules and datastructures including, for example, a listening module 230, a RFtransmission power selection module 232, a channel selection module 234,and a data store 236. The one or more modules and data structures can bein the form of stand-alone applications, productivity applications, anoperating system component, or any other application or software moduleconfigured to perform operations as described herein.

The listening module 230 can assess the environment of at least the CBRSband. In at least one example, the base station 204 can include a sensor226, which can include a spectrum analyzing device configured to analyzethe CBRS band. In at least one example, the sensor 226 can be configuredto detect energy that is present in the CBRS band. For instance, thesensor 226 can scan the CBRS band to generate sensor data indicatingwhether energy is present (e.g., energy levels present (dbms)), whogenerated the energy (e.g., an owner of the energy, a source of theenergy, another operator, etc.), an identity of an entity using theenergy, noise associated with the CBRS band (e.g., a level of noiseassociated with the CBRS band), etc. In at least one example, the sensor226 can be configured to generate sensor data indicating whichchannel(s) are being used for transmitting data and/or a load associatedwith individual channel(s) (e.g., load balancing). Such sensor data canrepresent the radio environment particular to the CBRS band. The sensor212 can provide such sensor data to the listening module 216 foranalyzing. That is, the sensor 226 can have a same or similar structureand perform the same or similar functions as the sensor 212, describedabove with reference to the user device 202.

In at least one example, the listening module 230 can send aninstruction to the sensor 226 instructing the sensor 226 to scan theCBRS band. In some examples, the instruction can be sent at a particularfrequency. In other examples, the instruction can be sent in associationwith a delivery of a data transmission (e.g., a communication).Responsive to sending the instruction, the listening module 230 canreceive sensor data and can analyze the sensor data to determine theradio environment associated with the CBRS band. Sensor data caninclude, but is not limited to, an indication of whether energy ispresent (e.g., energy levels present (dbms)), an indication of whogenerated the energy (e.g., an owner of the energy, a source of theenergy, another operator, etc.), an identity of an entity using theenergy, noise associated with the CBRS band (e.g., a level of noiseassociated with the CBRS band), etc. In some examples, sensor data canidentify which channels within the CBRS band are occupied, and to whatextent such channels are occupied (e.g., channel loading).

In at least one example, the listening module 230 can determine thetemporal frequency for sending the instruction based on one or morecharacteristics. For instance, in at least one example, the listeningmodule 230 can determine a time, a date, and/or a geolocation associatedwith the base station 204, and can determine a temporal frequency forsending the instruction based on the time, the date, and/or thegeolocation. In some examples, the listening module 230 can utilizemachine learned models to determine the temporal frequency for sendingthe instruction. As a non-limiting example, the base station 204 can belocated near a United States Naval Base. As a result, the listeningmodule 230 can determine to send the instruction at a higher temporalfrequency than if the base station 204 was located away from a UnitedStates Naval Base. Or, the listening module 216 can adjust the temporalfrequency (e.g., reduce the temporal frequency) in which such aninstruction is sent based on a date being associated with a time of theyear where United States Naval ships are known to be at sea. As anotherexample, the listening module 216 can utilize historical data todetermine that a channel is typically very clear (e.g., unoccupied) andcan reduce the number of scans (e.g., reducing the temporal frequencyinstruction(s) are sent) accordingly. As described above, managing thetemporal frequency at which the base station 204 scans the CBRS band canreduce power consumption and compute. That is, intelligently adjustingthe temporal frequency at which the sensor 226 scans the CBRS band canreduce power consumption (by reducing the energy required to assess theCBRS band) and reduce compute (by reducing the resources required toassess the CBRS band).

In some examples, the listening module 230 may not send an instructionto the sensor 226. In such examples, the sensor 226 can push sensor datato the listening module 230. For instance, in some examples, the sensor226 can push sensor data to the listening module 230 at a particularfrequency, in near-real time, etc.

Moreover, in at least one example, the listening module 230 can send aninstruction to the user device 202 which instructs the user device 202to then instruct the sensor 212 to scan the CBRS band. That is, in someexamples, the listening module 230 can send instructions to scan theCBRS band to the sensor 226 on the base station 204 and/or the userdevice 202 (and corresponding sensor 212). The timing of the sending ofsuch instructions can be determined as described above.

Furthermore, as described above, in at least one example, the listeningmodule 216 associated with the user device 202 can transmit sensor dataand/or representations thereof to the base station 204. In at least oneexample, the listening module 230 associated with the base station 204can aggregate the sensor data and/or representations thereof receivedfrom the user device 202 with sensor data and/or representations thereofreceived from other user devices (not pictured in FIG. 2) to generateaggregated sensor data. In some examples, the aggregated sensor data canadditionally or alternatively include sensor data from the sensor 226.The aggregated sensor data can be used for determining how to transmitcommunications as described below.

In at least one example, the RF transmission power selection module 232can determine a RF transmission power for transmitting communicationsvia the CBRS band. The RF transmission power selection module 232 canutilize sensor data received from the sensor 226 (and/or one or moreuser devices) to determine a RF transmission power for transmitting acommunication. In at least one example, if the sensor data indicatesthat another device is present (e.g., using a channel of the CBRS band)and that the device is a priority user, the RF transmission powerselection module 232 can determine whether to transmit a communicationin the CBRS band. If the RF transmission power selection module 232determines to transmit via the CBRS band, the RF transmission powerselection module 232 can select a reduced RF transmission power fortransmitting the RF transmission power selection module 232. In suchexamples, the RF transmission power selection module 232 can transmit anindication of the RF transmission power to a user device, such as userdevice 202.

As described above, in some examples, the user device 202 can determinethe RF transmission power and can send an indication to the base station204 of the RF transmission power. In some examples, the RF transmissionpower can be too low such that the base station 204 cannot hear the userdevice 202. That is, in some examples, the RF transmission power may bebelow a threshold and the base station 204 may not be able to hear theuser device 202. As described above, in at least one example, the userdevice 202 can wait a period of time before re-transmitting theindication. In at least one example, responsive to receiving theindication of the RF transmission power from the user device 202, thebase station 204 can transmit a communication at the prescribed RFtransmission power.

The channel selection module 234 can select a channel for transmittingone or more communications. In at least one example, the channelselection module 234 can leverage the sensor data to determine whichchannel to use for transmitting one or more communications. That is, thechannel selection module 234 can utilize the sensor data to determinehow to broadcast one or more communications.

In at least one example, the channel selection module 234 can analyzethe sensor data and can determine that the CBRS band is clear. That is,the sensor data can indicate that no energy is present or, that anyenergy that is present, is below a threshold such that it cannot be oris not detected. In such an example, the channel selection module 234can select a channel in the CBRS band for transmitting one or morecommunications. In an example where the sensor data is associated with aparticular channel or set of channels, the channel selection module 234can select the particular channel or any channel within the set ofchannels. The channel selection module 234 cannot select a channelunless it has first “listened” to such a channel. That is, the channelselection module 234 cannot select a channel for which it does not havesensor data.

In at least one example, the channel selection module 234 can analyzethe sensor data and can determine that at least a portion of the CBRSband is occupied by another device. In such an example, the channelselection module 234 can analyze the sensor data to determine how muchenergy is present in the CBRS band (e.g., energy levels present (dbms)),who generated the energy (e.g., an owner of the energy, a source of theenergy, another operator, etc.), an identity of an entity using theenergy, noise associated with the CBRS band (e.g., a level of noiseassociated with the CBRS band), etc. Furthermore, in at least oneexample, the channel selection module 234 can determine which channel(s)are occupied and extent to which such channel(s) are occupied (e.g.,channel loading) based at least in part on the sensor data. The channelselection module 234 can classify the other device based on the sensordata. For instance, the channel selection module 234 can determinewhether the other device is associated with a priority user (e.g.,Incumbent Access user or Priority Access user). In some examples, thechannel selection module 234 can further classify the other device, forinstance, as being associated with the United States Navy or FederalSatellite Service, etc.

In at least one example, if the detected device (e.g., the other device)is not a priority user, the channel selection module 234 can select achannel in the CBRS band for transmitting one or more communications. Inan example where the sensor data is associated with a particular channelor set of channels, the channel selection module 234 can select theparticular channel or any channel within the set of channels. Thechannel selection module 234 cannot select a channel unless it has first“listened” to such a channel. That is, the channel selection module 234cannot select a channel for which it does not have sensor data.

In an additional or alternative example, the detected device (e.g., theother device) may be a priority user. In some examples, the channelselection module 234 can transmit a communication via a same channelthat is occupied by the priority user utilizing channel sharing. Forinstance, in at least one example, responsive to determining that theother device is a priority user that is using a particular channel, thechannel selection module 234 can also use the particular channel afterlistening immediately prior to transmitting. That is, the channelselection module 234 can send a request to the listening module 230 tolisten to the CBRS environment (via one or more sensors). The listeningmodule 230 can send an instruction to the sensor 226 and/or the userdevice 202 to scan the CBRS environment. The listening module 230 canreceive the sensor data and analyze the sensor data. The channelselection module 234 can leverage the output to determine whether sensordata associated with the particular channel indicates that theparticular channel is occupied at the time of listening. If theparticular channel is occupied, the channel selection module 234 canrefrain from selecting the particular channel for transmitting acommunication and/or can select a different channel. In some examples,the channel selection module 234 can wait for time to lapse and canlisten again (e.g., via communication with the listening module 230 andthe sensor 226 and/or user device 202). In some examples, the channelselection module 234 can subsequently listen after subsequent lapses oftime. That is, the channel selection module 234 can apply an exponentialback-off algorithm for listening before transmitting. In some examples,if the channel selection module 234 determines that the particularchannel is unoccupied (or occupied, but the associated signal level isbelow a threshold), the channel selection module 234 can select theparticular channel for transmitting. In at least one example, the basestation 204 can transmit via the particular channel at a reduced RFtransmission power (e.g., a “hushed” RF transmission power).

In at least one example, the channel selection module 234 can determinethat the signal level associated with the other device is below athreshold. That is, the channel selection module 234 can determine thatthe other device is transmitting via a particular channel at a RFtransmission power that is below a threshold. In such examples, thechannel selection module 234 can utilize channel sharing, as describedabove, to transmit one or more communications via the particularchannel. In some examples, the channel selection module 234 can permitthe base station 204 to transmit via the particular channel, but mayrequest that the transmission is transmitted at a reduced RFtransmission power (e.g., the base station 204 can implement a hushingmechanism).

In some examples, for instance in a time division duplex (TDD) mode, thechannel selection module 234 can determine an amount of energy beingused by the other device in association with a particular channel andcan adjust uplink and downlink transmission ratios associated with theparticular channel accordingly. For instance, if a channel occupied bythe priority user has 9 MHz available for downlink transmission and 1MHz available for uplink transmission, the channel selection module 234can select the channel for transmitting one or more communications, butcan modify the uplink and downlink transmission ratios to facilitatechannel sharing.

While each channel sharing example is described individually, in someexamples, one or more of the channel sharing techniques can beimplemented.

In other examples, the channel selection module 234 can select a channelthat is different than the channel being occupied by the other device.In such an example, the channel selection module 234 can select anotherchannel that is a predetermined number of channels away from the channelbeing occupied by the other device. Or, the channel selection module 234can select another channel that is more than a threshold number ofchannels away from the channel being occupied by the other device. Insome examples, the predetermined number and/or threshold number can bedetermined by prescribed rules. In additional or alternative examples,the predetermined number and/or threshold number can be determined byhistorical data and/or machine learned models.

In some examples, the strength of the signal of the priority user can beused to determine the other channel. For instance, if the priority useris transmitting data via a particular channel at a RF transmission powergreater than a threshold, the channel selection module 234 can select achannel within the CBRS band that is farther away from the particularchannel than if the priority user is transmitting data via theparticular channel at a RF transmission power below a threshold.

In some examples, one or more of the aforementioned channel selectiontechniques can be implemented. In at least one example, one or more ofthe aforementioned channel selection techniques can be prioritized overother aforementioned channel selection techniques based on aclassification of the priority user. For instance, as a non-limitingexample, if a priority user is determined to be associated with anIncumbent Access user, such as the United States Navy, the channelselection module 234 may refrain from channel sharing and may selectanother channel. However, if a priority user is determined to beassociated with an Incumbent Access user that is not the United StatesNavy, the channel selection module 234 may attempt to utilize a samechannel via channel sharing techniques described herein.

In at least one example, the channel selection module 234 can send anindication of the selected channel to the user device 202.

Furthermore, in at least one example, the base station 204 can transmitone or more communications via the selected channel (and/or at adetermined RF transmission power), as described above. In some examples,the base station 204 can transmit the one or more communications basedon subscriber information associated with one or more subscribers of thetelecommunication service provider. That is, in some examples, the basestation 204 can utilize subscriber identifiers and/or subscriberpreferences for transmitting the one or more communications.

The data store 236 can store sensor data collected over time. Whileillustrated as being integrated into the base station 204 in FIG. 2, insome examples, the data store 236 can be stored remotely and can beaccessible to the base station 204. In at least one example, the datastore 236 can store sensor data and/or representations thereof receivedfrom the user device 202 (and/or additional and/or alternative userdevices) and/or the sensor 226 can be stored in the data store 236. Thedata store 236 can thus represent the “historical data” described above.The historical data stored in the data store 236 can be used todetermine frequencies for scanning, priorities for scanning, etc., asdescribed above. In at least one example, the historical data can beused for training machine learned models as described above. In such anexample, the historical data can be provided as input for trainingmachine learned models, which can output frequencies for scanning,priorities for scanning, etc. Various machine learned models can beused. For instance, supervised machine learning algorithms, unsupervisedmachine learning algorithms, deep learning algorithms, etc. can be usedfor generating the machine learned models.

In at least one example, at least a portion of the data store 236 can beprovided to the service provider computing device(s) 208, as describedbelow.

As described above, the sensor 226 can include a spectrum analyzingdevice configured to analyze the CBRS band. In at least one example, thesensor 226 can scan the CBRS band to determine informationrepresentative of the radio environment particular to the CBRS band(e.g., sensor data). The sensor 226 can provide such sensor data to thelistening module 230 for analyzing. In at least one example, the sensor226 can scan the CBRS band responsive to receiving an instruction fromthe listening module 230 and can provide sensor data to the listeningmodule 230 responsive to receiving the instruction.

In at least one example, the sensor 226 can additionally include one ormore modules and data structures (e.g., computer-readable instructions,etc.) that, when executed by one or more processors, cause the one ormore processors to send and/or receive instructions and/or informationand, in some examples, make decisions and/or determinations with respectto timing and/or prioritization of channel scanning.

In some examples, the sensor 226 can scan each channel of the CBRS bandindividually. In at least one example, the sensor 226 can scanindividual channels in parallel or serially. In other examples, thesensor 226 can scan two or more channels of the CBRS band together andthen parse the sensor data to determine which data corresponds toindividual channels.

In at least one example, the sensor 226 can utilize historical data todetermine how to scan the channels of the CBRS band. For instance, in atleast one example, the sensor 226 can determine, from historical data,that priority users typically use a particular channel. Accordingly, thesensor 226 can determine not to scan the particular channel, or to scanthe particular channel after scanning one or more other channels. Insome examples, the sensor 226 can utilize machine learned models toselectively determine which channels to scan and/or an order forscanning such channels. Or, the sensor 226 can determine, from sensordata, that a priority user is using a particular channel. Accordingly,the sensor 226 can determine not to scan the particular channel in asubsequent scan, or to scan the particular channel after scanning one ormore other channels.

In some examples, the sensor 226 can receive an instruction from thelistening module 230 which includes instructions on how to scan the CBRSband (e.g., timing and/or priority). In such an example, the listeningmodule 230 can utilize historical data to selectively determine whichchannels to scan and/or the order for scanning such channels.

While a single sensor is shown and described, the base station 204 caninclude any number of sensors.

The communication hardware 228 provides wireless capabilities, such asconnecting to user device(s), such as the user device 202, associatedwith a cellular network, a Wi-Fi network, or other wireless networks(e.g., network(s) 206). In at least one example, the communicationhardware 228 can include radio hardware, which can include or beincorporated into processors, ASICs, programmable circuits such asFPGAs, or in other ways. In at least one example, the radio hardware canbe capable of operating in the CBRS band. Additionally or alternatively,the communication hardware 228 can include network hardware, which canprovide wired or wireless networking capabilities to the base station104. Network hardware can include or be incorporated into processors,ASICs, programmable circuits such as FPGAs, or in other ways.

As described above, the base station 204 can communicate with theservice provider computing device(s) 208. In at least one example, theservice provider computing device(s) 208 can include processor(s) 238,computer-readable media 240, and communication hardware 242. For thepurpose of this discussion, the processor(s) 238 and thecomputer-readable media 240 can have same or similar configurations andperform same or similar functions as the processor(s) 210 and thecomputer-readable media 211, respectively, as described above.

The computer-readable media 240 can include one or more modules and datastructures including, for example, an information provisioning module244, a training module 246, and a data store 248. The one or moremodules and data structures can be in the form of stand-aloneapplications, productivity applications, an operating system component,or any other application or software module configured to performoperations as described herein.

The information provisioning module 244 can provide at least some of thesensor data to one or more entities requesting access to such data. Forinstance, other user device(s), base station(s), and/or service providercomputing device(s) can send requests to the service provider computingdevice(s) 208 and the information provisioning module 244 can access thedata store 248, described below, to provision at least some of thesensor data to the other user device(s), base station(s), and/or serviceprovider computing device(s). In at least one example, the sensor datacan be associated with a channel on which the base station 204 isoperating. That is, in at least one example, the information provisionmodule 244 can access sensor data from the data store 248, andinformation about which channel(s) are being used by the base station204, and can provision such information as a service for other userdevice(s), base station(s), and/or service provider computing device(s)to use for making decisions regarding RF transmission power and/orchannel selection.

The training module 246 can access historical data, which can be storedin the data store 248, described below. In at least one example, thehistorical data can be used for training machine learned models asdescribed above. In such an example, the historical data can be providedas input for training machine learned models, which can output temporalfrequencies for scanning, priorities for scanning, etc. In someexamples, the historical data can be provided as input for trainingmachine learned models, which can output distances (e.g., in numbers ofchannels) between a channel occupied by a priority user and anotherchannel that can be used for a non-priority data transmission. Variousmachine learned models can be used. For instance, supervised machinelearning algorithms, unsupervised machine learning algorithms, deeplearning algorithms, etc. can be used for generating (e.g., training)the machine learned models.

The data store 248 can store sensor data collected over time. Forexample, the sensor data and/or representations thereof received fromthe user device 202 (and/or additional and/or alternative user devices)and/or the base station 204 can be stored in the data store 248. Thedata store 248 can thus represent the “historical data” described above.In some examples, channel(s) selected based on a particular portion ofsensor data can be associated with such sensor data in the data store248. In at least one example, the historical data can be used fortraining machine learned models as described above. In some examples,the data store 248 is stored locally on the service provider computingdevice(s) 208, as illustrated in FIG. 2. However, in additional oralternative examples, at least a portion of the data store 248 can bestored remotely and can be accessible to the service provider computingdevice(s) 208.

The communication hardware 242 provides wireless capabilities, such asconnecting to user device(s), such as the user device 202, and/or basestation(s), such as base station 204, associated with a cellularnetwork, a Wi-Fi network, or other wireless networks (e.g., network(s)206). In at least one example, the communication hardware 242 caninclude network hardware, which can provide wired or wireless networkingcapabilities to the service provider computing device(s) 208. Networkhardware can include or be incorporated into processors, ASICs,programmable circuits such as FPGAs, or in other ways.

FIGS. 3-11 describe example processes for regulating access to the CBRS.The example processes are described in the context of the system of FIG.2, but are not limited to that environment.

The processes described in association with FIG. 3-11 can be implementedin hardware, software, or a combination thereof. In the context ofsoftware, the operations represent computer-executable instructionsstored on one or more computer-readable storage media that, whenexecuted by one or more processors, perform the recited operations.Generally, computer-executable instructions include routines, programs,objects, components, data structures, and the like that performparticular functionalities or implement particular abstract data types.In other embodiments, hardware components perform one or more of theoperations. Such hardware components can include or be incorporated intoprocessors, ASICs, programmable circuits such as FPGAs, or in otherways. The order in which the operations are described is not intended tobe construed as a limitation, and any number of the described operationsand/or processes can be combined in any order and/or in parallel toimplement the processes.

FIG. 3 illustrates an example process 300 for regulating access to theCBRS, as described herein.

Block 302 illustrates scanning, using a sensor associated with a userdevice, at least a portion of the CBRS band. As described above, thelistening module 216 can assess the environment of at least the CBRSband. In at least one example, the user device 202 can include a sensor212, which can include a spectrum analyzing device configured to analyzethe CBRS band. In at least one example, the sensor 212 can be configuredto detect energy that is present in the CBRS band. For instance, thesensor 212 can scan the CBRS band to generate sensor data indicative ofwhether energy is present (e.g., energy levels present (dbms)), whogenerated the energy (e.g., an owner of the energy, a source of theenergy, another operator, etc.), an identity of an entity using theenergy, noise associated with the CBRS band (e.g., a level of noiseassociated with the CBRS band), etc. In at least one example, the sensor212 can be configured to generate sensor data indicative of whichchannel(s) are being used for transmitting data and/or a load associatedwith individual channel(s) (e.g., channel loading). Such sensor data canrepresent the radio environment particular to the CBRS band.

In at least one example, the listening module 216 can send aninstruction to the sensor 212 instructing the sensor 212 to scan theCBRS band. In some examples, the instruction can be sent at a particularfrequency. In other examples, the instruction can be sent in associationwith a data transmission (e.g., a communication), for instance beforethe data transmission is transmitted to the base station 204. Inadditional or alternative examples, the listening module 216 can receivean instruction from the base station 204 and can send the instruction tothe sensor 212 responsive to receiving the instruction from the basestation 204.

Block 304 illustrates determining a presence of another device using theCBRS band. Responsive to sending the instruction to the sensor 212, thelistening module 216 can receive sensor data and can analyze the sensordata to determine the radio environment associated with the CBRS band.Sensor data can include, but is not limited to, an indication of whetherenergy is present (e.g., energy levels present (dbms)), an indication ofwho generated the energy (e.g., an owner of the energy, a source of theenergy, another operator, etc.), an identity of an entity using theenergy, noise associated with the CBRS band (e.g., a level of noiseassociated with the CBRS band), etc. In some examples, sensor data canidentify which channels within the CBRS band are occupied, and to whatextent such channels are occupied (e.g., channel loading). In at leastone example, the listening module 216 can determine a presence ofanother device using the CBRS band based at least in part on the sensordata. In some examples, the listening module 216 can determine a signallevel associated with the energy corresponding to the other device, anowner of the energy, an identity of an entity using the energy, achannel occupied by the energy, an extent to which the channel isoccupied, etc.

Block 306 illustrates determining a device RF transmission power fortransmitting communication(s) within the CBRS band. In at least oneexample, the RF transmission power selection module 218 can utilizesensor data received from the sensor 212 to determine a RF transmissionpower for transmitting a communication. In at least one example, if thesensor data indicates that another device is present (e.g., using achannel of the CBRS band) and that the device is a priority user, the RFtransmission power selection module 218 can determine whether totransmit a communication. If the RF transmission power selection module218 determines to transmit a communication, the RF transmission powerselection module 218 can determine a RF transmission power fortransmitting the communication. In some examples, the RF transmissionpower selection module 218 can adjust the RF transmission power up ordown.

Block 308 illustrates sending an indication of the device RFtransmission power to a base station. In at least one example, the RFtransmission power selection module 218 can transmit an indicationidentifying the RF transmission power at which the user device 202 istransmitting to the base station 104.

Block 310 illustrates determining whether an instruction associated witha channel within the CBRS band for transmitting the communication(s) hasbeen received from the base station. In some examples, the RFtransmission power can be too low, such that the base station 204 cannothear the user device 202. That is, in some examples, the RF transmissionpower may be below a threshold and the base station 204 may not be ableto hear the user device 202. In at least one example, the RFtransmission power selection module 218 can determine whether aninstruction associated with a channel within the CBRS band fortransmitting the communication(s) has been received from the basestation 204.

Based at least in part on determining that an instruction associatedwith a channel within the CBRS band for transmitting thecommunication(s) has not been received from the base station, adjustingthe device RF transmission power to a new device RF transmission powerfor transmitting communication(s) within the CBRS band, as illustratedin block 312. In such an example, process 300 can return to block 308,sending an indication of the (new) device RF transmission power to thebase station 204. That is, in at least one example, the user device 202can wait a period of time before re-transmitting the indication. If,after a predetermined number of attempts to transmit the indicationand/or a lapse of a predetermined period of time, the RF transmissionpower selection module 218 does not receive a response from the basestation 204, the RF transmission power selection module 218 can increasethe RF transmission power and can transmit an indication of the new RFtransmission power to the base station 204.

Based at least in part on determining that an instruction associatedwith a channel within the CBRS band for transmitting thecommunication(s) has been received from the base station, the userdevice 202 can transmit the communication(s) via the channel (and at theRF transmission power), as illustrated in block 314. In at least oneexample, responsive to transmitting the indication of the RFtransmission power to the base station 204, the user device 202 canreceive a response, which can include a channel assignment fortransmitting a communication. As such, the user device 202 can transmita communication, at the RF transmission power and via the channelprescribed by the base station 204.

FIG. 4 illustrates an example process 400 for determining when to scanthe CBRS band based on a characteristic associated with a sensor, asdescribed herein. Process 400 is described below in the context of theuser device 202. That is, process 400 is directed to the listeningmodule 216 determining the temporal frequency for sending an instructionto the sensor 212 to scan the CBRS band based on one or morecharacteristics. However, in an additional or alternative example, thelistening module 230 can perform the same or similar operations todetermine a temporal frequency for the sensor 226 to scan the CBRS band.In such an example, the listening module 230 may not consider a powerlevel of the base station 204, as base stations typically are not powerconstrained (unlike user devices).

Block 402 illustrates determining a characteristic. In at least oneexample, the listening module 216 can determine a time, a date, and/or ageolocation associated with the user device 202. Additionally oralternatively, the listening module 216 can determine a power levelassociated with the user device 202.

Block 404 illustrates determining a timing and/or a temporal frequencyfor scanning at least a portion of the CBRS band based at least in parton the characteristic. In at least one example, the listening module 216can determine the temporal frequency for sending the instruction basedon the characteristic. For instance, in at least one example, thelistening module 216 can determine a temporal frequency for sending theinstruction based on the time, the date, the geolocation, and/or thepower level associated with the user device 202. In some examples, thelistening module 216 can utilize machine learned models to determine thetemporal frequency for sending the instruction.

Block 406 illustrates scanning at least a portion of the CBRS band basedon the determined temporal frequency. Based at least in part ondetermining the temporal frequency for scanning at least a portion ofthe CBRS band, the listening module 216 can send instructions to thesensor 212 to scan the CBRS band based on the determining temporalfrequency. Managing the temporal frequency at which the user device 202scans the CBRS band can reduce power consumption and compute. That is,intelligently adjusting the temporal frequency at which the sensor 212scans the CBRS band can reduce power consumption (by reducing the energyrequired to assess the CBRS band) and reduce compute (by reducing theresources required to assess the CBRS band).

While FIG. 4 is directed to determining the temporal frequency forsending an instruction to scan the CBRS band, in an additional oralternative example, process 400 can similarly be used for determiningany timing associated with sending such an instruction. In someexamples, process 400 can additionally or alternatively be performed bythe sensor 212 and/or the sensor 226.

FIG. 5 illustrates an example process 500 for determining portion(s) ofthe CBRS band to scan based on historical data, as described herein. Asdescribed above, in some examples, the sensor 212 can scan each channelof the CBRS band individually. In at least one example, the sensor 212can scan individual channels in parallel or serially. In other examples,the sensor 212 can scan two or more channels of the CBRS band togetherand then parse the sensor data to determine which data corresponds toindividual channels. Process 500 is described in the context of thesensor 212 on the user device 202. However, in an additional oralternative example, the sensor 226 on the base station 204 can performthe same or similar operations. Furthermore, as described above, inadditional or alternative examples, the listening module 216 and/or thelistening module 230 can perform the same or similar operations and cansend an instruction to the sensor 212 and/or the sensor 226,respectively, regarding priorities for scanning channels within the CBRSband.

Block 502 illustrates accessing historical data associated with use ofthe CBRS band. In at least one example, the sensor 226 can accesshistorical data. Such historical data can be stored on the user device202 and/or provisioned from a base station 204 (e.g., from the datastore 236) and/or the service provider computing device(s) 208 (e.g.,from the data store 248). The historical data, as described above, caninclude sensor data determined from the sensor 212 and/or the sensor 226(and/or additional or alternative sensors) over time.

Block 504 illustrates determining, based at least in part on thehistorical data, channel(s) of a plurality of channels that aretypically occupied by priority user(s). In at least one example, thesensor 212 can utilize historical data to determine how to scan thechannels of the CBRS band. In some examples, the sensor 212 can utilizemachine learned models to selectively determine which channels to scanand/or an order for scanning such channels, as described above. In atleast one example, the historical data can indicate one or more channelsthat are typically occupied by priority users. That is, the sensor 212can determine, based on the historical data, a likelihood that one ormore channels are occupied by priority users and can determined that thelikelihood is greater than a threshold, indicating that the one or morechannels are likely to be occupied by priority users.

Block 506 illustrates scanning at least a portion of the CBRS band thatexcludes the channel(s) that are typically occupied by priority user(s)prior to scanning other portion(s) of the CBRS band associated with thechannel(s) that are typically occupied by priority users. In at leastone example, based on determining the channel(s) that are typicallyoccupied by priority user(s), the sensor 212 can determine to scan otherchannel(s) prior to scanning the channel(s) that are typically occupiedby priority user(s).

FIG. 6 illustrates an example process 600 for regulating access to theCBRS band, as described herein.

Block 602 illustrates scanning, using a sensor associated with a userdevice, at least a portion of the CBRS band to generate sensor data. Asdescribed above, the listening module 216 can assess the environment ofat least the CBRS band. In at least one example, the user device 202 caninclude a sensor 212, which can include a spectrum analyzing deviceconfigured to analyze the CBRS band. In at least one example, the sensor212 can be configured to detect energy that is present in the CBRS band.For instance, the sensor 212 can scan the CBRS band to generate sensordata indicating whether energy is present (e.g., energy levels present(dbms)), who generated the energy (e.g., an owner of the energy, asource of the energy, another operator, etc.), an identity of an entityusing the energy, noise associated with the CBRS band (e.g., a level ofnoise associated with the CBRS band), etc. In at least one example, thesensor 212 can be configured to generate sensor data indicative of whichchannel(s) are being used for transmitting data and/or a load associatedwith individual channel(s) (e.g., channel loading). Such sensor data canrepresent the radio environment particular to the CBRS band. The sensor212 can provide such sensor data to the listening module 216 foranalyzing.

In at least one example, the listening module 216 can send aninstruction to the sensor 212 instructing the sensor 212 to scan theCBRS band. In some examples, the instruction can be sent at a particularfrequency. In other examples, the instruction can be sent in associationwith a data transmission (e.g., a communication), for instance beforethe data transmission is transmitted to the base station 204. Inadditional or alternative examples, the listening module 216 can receivean instruction from the base station 204, as illustrated in block 604.

Block 606 illustrates transmitting the sensor data to a base station. Inat least one example, the listening module 216 can transmit sensor dataand/or representations thereof to the base station 204. In someexamples, the listening module 216 can transmit the sensor data and/orrepresentations thereof responsive to receiving the instruction from thebase station 204.

Block 608 illustrates scanning, using a sensor associated with the basestation, at least a portion of the CBRS band to generate sensor data. Asdescribed above, the listening module 230 can assess the environment ofat least the CBRS band. In at least one example, the base station 204can include a sensor 226, which can include a spectrum analyzing deviceconfigured to analyze the CBRS band. In at least one example, the sensor226 can be configured to detect energy that is present in the CBRS band.For instance, the sensor 226 can scan the CBRS band to determine sensordata indicative of whether energy is present (e.g., energy levelspresent (dbms), who generated the energy (e.g., an owner of the energy,a source of the energy, another operator, etc.), an identity of anentity using the energy, noise associated with the CBRS band (e.g., alevel of noise associated with the CBRS band), etc. In at least oneexample, the sensor 226 can be configured to generate sensor dataindicative of which channel(s) are being used for transmitting dataand/or a load associated with individual channel(s). Such sensor datacan represent the radio environment particular to the CBRS band. Thesensor 226 can provide such sensor data to the listening module 230 foranalyzing. That is, the sensor 226 can have a same or similar structureand perform the same or similar functions as the sensor 212, describedabove with reference to the user device 202.

In at least one example, the listening module 230 can send aninstruction to the sensor 226 instructing the sensor 226 to scan theCBRS band, as illustrated in block 604. In some examples, theinstruction can be sent at a particular frequency. In other examples,the instruction can be sent in association with a delivery of a datatransmission (e.g., a communication).

Block 610 illustrates receiving the sensor data. In at least oneexample, the listening module 230 associated with the base station 204can receive the sensor data and/or representations thereof received fromthe user device 202 and/or the sensor data from the sensor 226. In someexamples, the listening module 230 can aggregate the sensor data togenerate aggregated data. In some examples, sensor data and/orrepresentations thereof can be received from other user devices and suchsensor data can be added to the aggregated sensor data.

Block 612 illustrates analyzing the sensor data. In at least oneexample, the listening module 230, the RF transmission power selectionmodule 232, and/or the channel selection module 234 can analyze theaggregated sensor data to determine how to transmit communications todetermine channel(s) for transmitting communication(s) within the CBRSband based at least in part on the sensor data, as illustrated in block614. Additional details regarding determining channel(s) fortransmitting communication(s) within the CBRS band based at least inpart on the sensor data are provided below with respect to FIGS. 8-11.In at least one example, the base station 204 can transmitcommunication(s) via the channel(s) determined, based at least in parton subscriber information (e.g., subscriber identifier, subscriberpreferences, etc.) associated with subscriber(s) of a telecommunicationsservice.

FIG. 6 is directed to device-assisted CBRS access regulation. That is,in some examples, the base station 204 can utilize sensor data from oneor more user devices, such as user device 202, to determine how totransmit communication(s) via the CBRS band. However, in alternativeexamples, the base station 204 can make such determinations withoutassistance from user devices. FIG. 7 is directed to such an example.

FIG. 7 illustrates an example process 700 for regulating access to theCBRS band, as described herein.

Block 702 illustrates determining that a power level associated with apower source of a user device is below a threshold. As described above,the sensor 212 can generate sensor data indicative of a power levelassociated with the user device 202. For instance, the sensor 212 candetermine a remaining power level associated with a power source of theuser device 202, such as a battery. In at least one example, thelistening module 216 can compare the power level with a threshold anddetermine that the power level is below the threshold. The threshold canbe configurable.

Block 704 illustrates sending an indication to a base station indicatingthat the power level is below the threshold. In some examples,responsive to determining that the power level is below a threshold, thelistening module 216 can send a notification to the base station 204indicating that the power level is below a threshold. In such examples,the base station 204 can receive the notification and determine that itis responsible for assessing the radio environment of the CBRS band anddetermining how to transmit communications in such a radio environment.

Block 706 illustrates receiving the indication. In some examples,responsive to determining that the power level is below a threshold, thelistening module 216 can send a notification to the base station 204indicating that the power level is below a threshold. In such examples,the base station 204 can receive the notification and determine that itis responsible for assessing the radio environment of the CBRS band anddetermining how to transmit communications in such a radio environment.As a result, the listening module 230 can send an instruction to thesensor 226 to scan at least a portion of the CBRS band to generatesensor data, as illustrated in block 708.

Block 710 illustrates analyzing the sensor data, the sensor dataexcluding any sensor data received from the user device. In at least oneexample, the listening module 230, the RF transmission power selectionmodule 232, and/or the channel selection module 234 can analyze thesensor data to determine how to transmit communications to determinechannel(s) for transmitting communication(s) within the CBRS band basedat least in part on the sensor data, as illustrated in block 712. In theexample described in FIG. 7, where the base station 204 cannot rely onadditional sensor data from the user device 202, the sensor data canexclude sensor data from the user device 202. Additional detailsregarding determining channel(s) for transmitting communication(s)within the CBRS band based at least in part on the sensor data areprovided below with respect to FIGS. 8-11.

FIG. 8 illustrates an example process 800 for determining a channelwithin the CBRS band to transmit a communication, as described herein.

Block 802 illustrates accessing sensor data associated with at least aportion of the CBRS band. As described above, in at least one example,the listening module 230 associated with the base station 204 canreceive sensor data and/or representations thereof received from theuser device 202 and/or sensor data from the sensor 226. In someexamples, the listening module 230 can aggregate the sensor data togenerate aggregated data. In some examples, sensor data and/orrepresentations thereof can be received from other user devices and suchsensor data can be added to the aggregated sensor data.

Block 804 illustrates analyzing the sensor data. In at least oneexample, the listening module 230, the RF transmission power selectionmodule 232, and/or the channel selection module 234 can analyze theaggregated sensor data to determine how to transmit communications todetermine channel(s) for transmitting communication(s) within the CBRSband based at least in part on the sensor data. For instance, in atleast one example, in at least one example, the channel selection module234 can analyze the sensor data to determine whether the CBRS band isoccupied by another device, as described below.

Block 806 illustrates determining a presence of a device using the CBRSband. In at least one example, the channel selection module 234 cananalyze the sensor data and can determine that at least a portion of theCBRS band is occupied by another device. In such an example, the channelselection module 234 can analyze the sensor data to determine how muchenergy is present in the CBRS band (e.g., energy levels present (dbms)),who generated the energy (e.g., an owner of the energy, a source of theenergy, another operator, etc.), an identity of an entity using theenergy, noise associated with the CBRS band (e.g., a level of noiseassociated with the CBRS band), etc. Furthermore, in at least oneexample, the channel selection module 234 can determine which channel(s)are occupied and an extent to which such channel(s) are occupied (e.g.,channel loading). That is, in at least one example, the channelselection module 234 can identify another device that is using the CBRSband and can identify which channel the other device is using. Further,the channel selection module 234 can identify an energy level (dbms) theother device is using and an extent to which the other device is usingthe channel.

Block 808 illustrates classifying the device (e.g., as a priority user).The channel selection module 234 can classify the other device. Forinstance, the channel selection module 234 can analyze the sensor datato determine whether the other device is associated with a priority user(e.g., Incumbent Access user or Priority Access user). In some examples,the channel selection module 234 can further classify the other device,for instance, as being associated with the United States Navy or FederalSatellite Service, etc.

In some examples, the channel selection module 234 can try various codesto identify the other device and, if none of them work (e.g., identify aknown user), the channel selection module 234 can classify the otherdevice (e.g., as a priority user). Additionally or alternatively, thechannel selection module 234 can determine that a communication protocolassociated with the energy in the CBRS band is non-UE based traffic, andthe channel selection module 234 can classify the other device (e.g., asa priority user) based at least in part on determining that thecommunication protocol is non-UE based traffic. Further, in at least oneexample, the channel selection module 234 can determine a power levelassociated energy that is present in the CBRS band, and can determinethat the power level meets or exceeds some threshold such that only apriority user (e.g., a U.S. Navy ship) could be transmitting at such apower level. Accordingly, the channel selection module 234 can classifythe other device as a priority user. Other techniques can be used toclassify the other device, for instance, the channel selection module234 can utilize a direction of the energy in the CBRS band to classifythe other device (e.g., water based transmissions are likely from aboat, and therefore, likely to be from a priority user), etc.

Block 810 illustrates receiving a request to transmit a communication.In at least one example, the base station 204 can receive a request totransmit a communication. In some examples, the request can be from theuser device 202. In other examples, the request can be from a differentuser device than the user device 202.

Block 812 illustrates determining a channel within the CBRS band totransmit the communication based at least in part on a classification ofthe device. In at least one example, based on receiving the request totransmit a communication, the channel selection module 234 can determinea channel within the CBRS band to transmit the communication, asdescribed below with reference to FIGS. 9-11. In at least one example,the RF transmission power selection module 232 can additionallydetermine a RF transmission power for transmitting the communication (orthe user device 202 can provide such).

While block 810 is illustrated after accessing the sensor data in block802, in some examples, the base station 204 can access the sensor dataat a same time as the request to transmit the communication is receivedand/or after the request to transmit the communication is received.

FIG. 9 illustrates an example process 900 for determining a channelwithin the CBRS band to transmit a communication, as described herein.

Block 902 illustrates determining, based at least in part on analyzingsensor data, that at least one device is transmitting data via a firstchannel within the CBRS band. In at least one example, the channelselection module 234 can analyze the sensor data and can determine thatat least a portion of the CBRS band is occupied by another device. Insuch an example, the channel selection module 234 can analyze the sensordata to determine how much energy is present in the CBRS band (e.g.,energy levels present (dbms)), who generated the energy (e.g., an ownerof the energy, a source of the energy, another operator, etc.), anidentity of an entity using the energy, noise associated with the CBRSband (e.g., a level of noise associated with the CBRS band), etc.Furthermore, in at least one example, the channel selection module 234can determine which channel(s) are occupied and extent to which suchchannel(s) are occupied (e.g., channel loading). That is, in at leastone example, the channel selection module 234 can determine that anotherdevice is transmitting data via a first channel.

Block 904 illustrates determining whether the device is associated witha priority user. The channel selection module 234 can classify the otherdevice. For instance, the channel selection module 234 can analyze thesensor data to determine whether the other device is associated with apriority user (e.g., Incumbent Access user or Priority Access user).That is, the channel selection module 234 can analyze the sensor data todetermine whether the owner and/or the entity using the energy is apriority user.

Based at least in part on determining that the device is not associatedwith a priority user (e.g., “no” in block 904), the base station 204 cantransmit a communication via the first channel, as illustrated in block906. In at least one example, if the detected device (e.g., the otherdevice) is not a priority user, the channel selection module 234 canselect a channel in the CBRS band for transmitting one or morecommunications, which may be the first channel. In an example where thesensor data is associated with a particular channel or set of channels,the channel selection module 234 can select the particular channel orany channel within the set of channels. The channel selection module 234cannot select a channel unless it has first “listened” to such achannel. That is, the channel selection module 234 cannot select achannel for which it does not have sensor data.

In at least one example, based at least in part on determining that thedevice is associated with a priority user (e.g., “yes” in block 904),the base station 204 can determine whether to transmit a communicationvia the first channel utilizing channel sharing, as illustrated in block908. In some examples, the channel selection module 234 can transmit acommunication via a same channel that is occupied by the priority userutilizing channel sharing. For instance, in at least one example,responsive to determining that the other device is a priority user thatis using the first channel, the channel selection module 234 can alsouse the first channel so long as channel sharing techniques areimplemented. Additional details associated with channel sharing aredescribed below with reference to FIGS. 10 and 11. Based at least inpart on determining to transmit the communication via the first channel,the base station 204 can transmit the communication via the firstchannel, as illustrated in block 910. In some examples, the base station204 can transmit via the first channel at a RF transmission power asdetermined by the RF transmission power selection module 232 and/or theuser device 202.

In an additional or alternative example, based at least in part ondetermining that the device is associated with a priority user, the basestation 204 can determine a second channel within the CBRS band fortransmitting a communication, as illustrated in block 912. In at leastone example, the channel selection module 234 can attempt to transmit acommunication via the first channel utilizing channel sharing (e.g.,block 908) prior to selecting another channel (e.g., block 912). Inother examples, the channel selection module 234 can proceed directly toblock 912, for instance, based on a classification of the priority user.

In at least one example, the channel selection module 234 can select achannel that is different than the channel being occupied by the otherdevice. In such an example, the channel selection module 234 can selectanother channel that is a predetermined number of channels away from thechannel being occupied by the other device. Or, the channel selectionmodule 234 can select another channel that is more than a thresholdnumber of channels away from the channel being occupied by the otherdevice. In some examples, the predetermined number and/or thresholdnumber can be determined by prescribed rules. In additional oralternative examples, the predetermined number and/or threshold numbercan be determined by historical data and/or machine learned models.Accordingly, in at least one example, the channel selection module 234can select a second channel that is different than the first channel.The second channel can be a predetermined number of channels away fromthe first channel, a threshold number of channels away from the firstchannel, etc.

In some examples, the strength of the signal of the priority user can beused to determine the other channel. For instance, if the priority useris transmitting data via a particular channel at a RF transmission powergreater than a threshold, the channel selection module 234 can select achannel within the CBRS band that is farther away from the particularchannel than if the priority user is transmitting data via theparticular channel at a RF transmission power below a threshold.

Block 914 illustrates transmitting the communication via the secondchannel. Based at least in part on selecting the second channel, thebase station 204 can transmit the communication via the second channel.In some examples, the base station 204 can transmit via the secondchannel at a RF transmission power as determined by the RF transmissionpower selection module 232 and/or the user device 202.

FIG. 10 illustrates an example process 1000 for determining a channelwithin the CBRS band to transmit a communication as described herein. Asdescribed above, the detected device (e.g., the other device) may be apriority user. In some examples, the channel selection module 234 cantransmit a communication via a same channel that is occupied by thepriority user utilizing channel sharing. In at least one example, thechannel selection module 234 can utilize channel sharing based ondetermining that the detected device is transmitting at a signal levelbelow a threshold.

Block 1002 illustrates determining whether a signal level associatedwith a device transmitting in a first channel of the CBRS band is belowa threshold. In at least one example, the channel selection module 234can analyze sensor data to determine that a signal level associated witha device transmitting in a first channel is below a threshold. That is,the channel selection module 234 can determine that the device istransmitting via the first channel at a RF transmission power that isbelow a threshold.

Based at least in part on determining that the signal level associatedwith the device transmitting in the first channel of the CBRS band isbelow the threshold, the base station 204 can transmit a communicationvia the first channel via channel sharing, as illustrated in block 1004.In such examples, the channel selection module 234 can utilize channelsharing, as described above, to transmit one or more communications viathe first channel. In some examples, the channel selection module 234can permit the base station 204 to transmit via the first channel, butmay request that the transmission is transmitted at a reduced RFtransmission power (e.g., the base station 204 can implement a hushingmechanism).

Based at least in part on determining that the signal level associatedwith the device transmitting in the first channel of the CBRS band meetsor exceeds the threshold, the channel selection module 234 can refrainfrom selecting the first channel for transmitting the communication atthe current time or can select a second channel within the CBRS band fortransmitting the communication, as illustrated in block 1006. If thechannel selection module 234 refrains from selecting the first channelat the current time, the channel selection module 234 can re-listen tothe CBRS environment at a later time (e.g., after a lapse of a period oftime) to determine whether to transmit via the first channel at thelater time. As described above, in some examples, the channel selectionmodule 234 can implement an exponential back off for listening todetermine whether the first channel is viable for transmittingcommunication(s), or if a second channel is to be selected.

FIG. 11 illustrates an example process 1100 for determining a channelwithin the CBRS band to transmit a communication as described herein. Asdescribed above, in some examples, the channel selection module 234 cantransmit a communication via a same channel that is occupied by thepriority user utilizing channel sharing. For instance, in at least oneexample, responsive to determining that the other device is a priorityuser that is using a particular channel, the channel selection module234 can also use the particular channel after listening immediatelyprior to transmitting.

Block 1102 illustrates receiving sensor data associated with a firstchannel of the CBRS band immediately prior to transmitting acommunication. In at least one example, responsive to receiving acommunication, the channel selection module 234 can send a request forsensor data representative of the environment of the CBRS bandimmediately prior to transmitting a communication. That is, the channelselection module 234 can send a request to the listening module 230 tolisten to the CBRS environment. The listening module 230 can send aninstruction to the sensor 226 and/or the user device 202 to scan theCBRS environment. Responsive to such instruction, the listening module230 can receive sensor data and can provision such sensor data to thechannel selection module 234. The sensor data can be associated with oneor more channels of the CBRS band.

Block 1104 illustrates determining whether the first channel istransmitting data associated with a priority user. In at least oneexample, the channel selection module 234 can analyze the sensor dataand can determine that at least a portion of the CBRS band is occupiedby another device. In such an example, the channel selection module 234can analyze the sensor data to determine how much energy is present inthe CBRS band (e.g., energy levels present (dbms)), who generated theenergy (e.g., an owner of the energy, a source of the energy, anotheroperator, etc.), an identity of an entity using the energy, noiseassociated with the CBRS band (e.g., a level of noise associated withthe CBRS band), etc. Furthermore, in at least one example, the channelselection module 234 can determine which channel(s) are occupied andextent to which such channel(s) are occupied (e.g., channel loading).The channel selection module 234 can classify the identified device, forinstance as a priority user.

Based at least in part on determining that the first channel istransmitting data associated with a priority user, the base station 204can refrain from selecting the first channel for transmitting acommunication, as illustrated in block 1106. That is, if the firstchannel is occupied by a priority user, the channel selection module 234can refrain from selecting the first channel for transmitting thecommunication. In an alternate example, the channel selection module 234can select a different channel.

Block 1108 illustrates determining whether to re-scan the first channel.In some examples, the channel selection module 234 can wait for time tolapse and can listen again (e.g., via communication with the listeningmodule 230 and the sensor 226 and/or user device 202). That is, in atleast one example, after determining that a lapse of a period of timeoccurred, the channel selection module 234 can send an instruction tothe listening module 230, which can send a new instruction to the sensor226 and/or the user device 202 to scan the CBRS environment.

Based at least in part on re-scanning the first channel after a lapse ofa period of time, as illustrated in block 1100, the channel selectionmodule 234 can receive updated sensor data associated with the firstchannel and process 1100 can return to block 1104. In some examples, thechannel selection module 234 can subsequently listen after one or moresubsequent lapses of time. That is, the channel selection module 234 canapply an exponential back-off algorithm for listening beforetransmitting.

In some examples, the channel selection module 234 can determine not tore-scan the first channel. For instance, the exponential back-offalgorithm may have been exhausted (e.g., reaches a ceiling). In suchexamples, the base station 104 can refrain from transmitting thecommunication via the first channel at the current time or can select asecond channel, as illustrated in block 1112. That is, the channelselection module 234 can refrain from selecting the first channel fortransmitting the communication or can select a second channel.

Based at least in part on determining that the first channel is nottransmitting data associated with a priority user, the channel selectionmodule 234 can select the first channel for transmitting thecommunication and the base station 204 can transmit the communicationvia the first channel, as illustrated in block 1114. In some examples,the base station 204 can transmit via the particular channel at areduced RF transmission power.

In some examples, as described above, the channel selection module 234can adjust uplink and downlink transmission rations to facilitatechannel sharing. For instance, in a time division duplex (TDD) mode, thechannel selection module 234 can determine an amount of energy beingused by the other device in association with a particular channel andcan adjust uplink and downlink transmission ratios associated with theparticular channel accordingly. For instance, if a channel occupied bythe priority user has 9 MHz available for downlink transmission and 1MHz available for uplink transmission, the channel selection module 234can select the channel for transmitting one or more communications, butcan modify the uplink and downlink transmission ratios to facilitatechannel sharing.

While each channel sharing example is described individually, in someexamples, one or more of the channel sharing techniques can beimplemented.

Furthermore, in some examples, one or more of the aforementioned channelselection techniques can be implemented. In at least one example, one ormore of the aforementioned channel selection techniques can beprioritized over other aforementioned channel selection techniques basedon a classification of the priority user. For instance, as anon-limiting example, if a priority user is determined to be associatedwith an Incumbent Access user, such as the United States Navy, thechannel selection module 234 may refrain from channel sharing and mayselect another channel. However, if a priority user is determined to beassociated with an Incumbent Access user that is not the United StatesNavy, the channel selection module 234 may attempt to utilize a samechannel via channel sharing techniques described herein, as analternative to, or prior to, selecting another channel.

While the disclosure provided above is directed to regulating access tothe CBRS, in additional or alternative examples, same or similartechniques can be implemented for regulating access to other frequencybands. For instance, techniques described herein can be implemented forregulating access to other frequency bands where a prioritizationframework is to be implemented to ensure use by priority users is notnegatively impacted.

Although the subject matter has been described in language specific tostructural data items and/or methodological acts, it is to be understoodthat the subject matter defined in the appended claims is notnecessarily limited to the specific data items or acts described.Rather, the specific data items and acts are disclosed as exemplaryforms of implementing the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A device comprising: a sensor configured to operate in a frequency band associated with Citizens Broadband Radio Service; one or more processors; and one or more computer-readable media storing instructions executable by the one or more processors, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: scan, using the sensor, at least a portion of the frequency band to generate sensor data indicating at least energy present in the portion of the frequency band; determine, based at least in part on analyzing the sensor data, a presence of another device using the frequency band, the other device being a priority user having priority access over the device, the priority user being one of an incumbent access user or a priority access user having a priority access license; adjust, based at least in part on determining the presence of the other device, a device radio frequency (RF) transmission power for transmitting one or more communications within the frequency band; determine, based at least in part on the sensor data, a power level associated with a battery of the device; determine that the power level is below a threshold value; send, based at least in part on the power level being below the threshold value, an instruction to a base station to determine the RF transmission power for the device; and after a threshold amount of time passes without a response from the base station, increase the device RF transmission power and send an indication of the increased device RF transmission power to the base station.
 2. The device as claim 1 recites, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors further to determine, based on the sensor data, a source of the energy present in the frequency band.
 3. The device as claim 1 recites, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors further to determine, based on the sensor data, an identity of an entity associated with the other device utilizing the energy present in the frequency band.
 4. The device as claim 1 recites, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors further to determine, based on the sensor data, a noise level associated with the frequency band.
 5. The device as claim 1 recites, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors further to determine, based on the sensor data, a power level associated with a battery of the device.
 6. The device as claim 5 recites, wherein the instructions cause the one or more processors further to determine a temporal frequency for scanning the frequency band based on the power level associated with the battery of the device.
 7. The device as claim 1 recites, wherein the frequency band is associated with a plurality of channels, and the instructions cause the one or more processors further to: determine, based at least in part on historical data, a likelihood that one or more channels of the plurality of channels are occupied by one or more priority users; and determine that the likelihood is greater than a threshold, wherein the portion of the frequency band excludes the one or more channels.
 8. The device as claim 1 recites, wherein the instructions cause the one or more processors further to: receive, from the base station, an instruction associated with a channel within the frequency band for transmitting the one or more communications.
 9. The device as claim 1 recites, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors further to determine a temporal frequency for scanning at least the portion of the frequency band is based at least in part on at least a day or a geolocation associated with the device.
 10. The device as claim 1 recites, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors further to: determine at least one of a time, a day, or a geolocation associated with the device; and determine a temporal frequency for scanning at least a portion of the frequency band based at least in part on at least one of the time, the day, or the geolocation associated with the device.
 11. A computer-implemented method comprising: scanning, using a sensor associated with a device, at least a portion of a frequency band associated with Citizens Broadband Radio Service to generate sensor data indicating at least energy present in the portion of the frequency band, the sensor being configured to operate in the frequency band; determining, based at least in part on analyzing the sensor data, a presence of another device utilizing the frequency band, the other device being a priority user having priority access over the device, the priority user being one of an incumbent access user or a priority access user having a priority access license; adjusting, based at least in part on determining the presence of the other device, a device radio frequency (RF) transmission power for transmitting one or more communications within the frequency band; determining, based at least in part on the sensor data, a power level associated with a battery of the device; determining that the power level is below a threshold value; sending, based at least in part on the power level being below the threshold value, an instruction to a base station to determine the RF transmission power for the device; determining, after a lapse of a predetermined period of time, that an instruction indicating a channel within the frequency band for transmitting the one or more communications has not been received from the base station; increasing the device RF transmission power to a new device RF transmission power for transmitting the one or more communications within the frequency band; and sending an indication of the new device RF transmission power to the base station.
 12. The computer-implemented method as claim 11 recites, wherein scanning at least the portion of the frequency band additionally and/or alternatively comprises scanning a first channel of a plurality of channels associated with the frequency band at a first time and scanning a second channel of the plurality of channels at a second time after the first time.
 13. The computer-implemented method as claim 11 recites, further comprising: determining, based at least in part on the sensor data, a power level associated with a battery of the device; and determining a temporal frequency for scanning the frequency band based on the power level associated with the battery of the device.
 14. The computer-implemented method as claim 11 recites, further comprising: determining at least one of a time, a day, or a geolocation associated with the device; and determining a temporal frequency for scanning at least the portion of the frequency band based at least in part on at least one of the time, the day, or the geolocation associated with the device.
 15. The computer-implemented method as claim 11 recites, wherein the frequency band is associated with a plurality of channels, and the method further comprises: determining, based at least in part on historical data, a likelihood that one or more channels of the plurality of channels are occupied by one or more priority users; and determining that the likelihood is greater than a threshold wherein the portion of the frequency band excludes the one or more channels.
 16. The computer-implemented method as claim 11 recites, further comprising: receiving, from the base station, an instruction associated with a channel within the frequency band for transmitting the one or more communications.
 17. One or more non-transitory computer-readable media associated with a device, the one or more non-transitory computer-readable media storing instructions executable by one or more processors, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors to: send, to a sensor associated with the device, the instruction to scan at least a portion of a frequency band associated with Citizens Broadband Radio Service (CBRS) to generate sensor data indicating at least energy present in the portion of the frequency band, the sensor being configured to operate in the frequency band; determine, based at least in part on analyzing the sensor data, a presence of another device utilizing the frequency band, the other device being a priority user having priority access over the device, the priority user being one of an incumbent access user or a priority access user having a priority access license; adjust, based at least in part on determining the presence of the other device, a device radio frequency (RF) transmission power for transmitting one or more communications within the frequency band; determine, based at least in part on the sensor data, a power level associated with a battery of the device; determine that the power level is below a threshold value; send, based at least in part on the power level being below the threshold value, an instruction to a base station to determine the RF transmission power for the device; and after a threshold amount of time passes without a response from the base station, increase the device RF transmission power and send an indication of the increased device RF transmission power to the base station.
 18. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media as claim 17 recites, wherein the frequency band is associated with a plurality of channels, and the instructions cause the one or more processors further to: determine, based at least in part on historical data, a likelihood that one or more channels of the plurality of channels are occupied by one or more priority users; and determine that the likelihood is greater than a threshold, wherein the portion of the frequency band excludes the one or more channels.
 19. The one or more non-transitory computer-readable media as claim 17 recites, wherein the instructions, when executed by the one or more processors, cause the one or more processors further to: receive, from the base station, an instruction associated with a channel within the frequency band for transmitting the one or more communications. 